Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
